The swelling in my wrist has nearly gone down.
Yamashita was still sitting in one of the mansion’s rooms, but at least there were no people around now. Kagami could concentrate a bit more on her thoughts.
When I closed Koto Ne’s eyes, my head wasn’t quite functioning right, but after ignoring the people in front of me for a few hours and getting lost in other thoughts, some ideas started to surface.
These ideas weren’t anything special.
Could I somehow save Koto Ne?
“……”
That was… a strange thought.
Kagami didn’t even have such thoughts when her parents suddenly passed away in childhood. In fact, she never worried much about anyone dying. As a child, Kagami found even taking care of herself somewhat overwhelming.
Moreover, Kurosawa’s belief was inherently like that. To transcend death, to break down the boundaries between death and life, and to escape the fear of death to enjoy eternal life.
From that perspective, Kagami had no reason to mourn Koto Ne’s death. What Kagami had to do was simple. Go find her sister, ask for forgiveness, and quickly complete the plan to bring Koto Ne back from the other side.
…No.
Kagami shook her head.
Numerous emotions beyond rational judgment were preventing her from making that choice. Kagami hated Kosuzu.
Furthermore, the name Kurosawa now felt meaningless to her. After the sister she had believed in so much casually tossed aside the significance of Kurosawa, holding on to that name felt rather pointless.
Everything she did until now was merely out of habit. There was no reason to seek any further meaning; she was just living mechanically.
Indeed, the source of the emotions driving her actions stemmed from ‘fear.’ The fear of the divine retribution that would come from believing in an existence so far removed.
Kagami had seen again and again what those betrayed by belief could do. No matter how meaningless the name Kurosawa became, it was still a protective shell that would shield her.
And it was when she found new meaning in that name that she witnessed a ‘successful creation.’
When the divine being was nestled within the shell that Kagami had birthed.
…Of course, that ‘meaning’ quickly turned back into ‘questions.’ The divine being had a thought process that was not much different from that of her peers.
The initial feeling was once again ‘fear.’ Because she didn’t know what it desired.
Kagami maintained a certain distance from those thoughts while not getting too upset. It wasn’t exactly a resounding success, but it wasn’t a failure either. At the very least, she hadn’t triggered a catastrophe that would end the world by misjudging her temperament.
The existence within was far less fickle than Kagami expected, and its character was more calm than strange.
While showing slight annoyance, that being had shared its food, which certainly didn’t seem close to cosmic horror.
So no, it wasn’t like borrowing Kosuzu’s power would grant the purpose of what that child wanted. Even if she were to resurrect in such a way, that child would surely not welcome it.
Kagami was a greedy person, just like her sister, and she didn’t want to sever the relationship she had painstakingly revived. The cost of bowing to Kosuzu wasn’t worth it.
Kagami stood up. The folding chair she had carelessly placed made a scraping sound as it dragged along the floor.
With the first choice effectively discarded, the second option seemed far less likely. However, at least, there would be no disruption in her relationship with the revived counterpart.
Kagami thought of the apartment where Koto Ne and Koko lived.
After all, there should still be unused flesh there.
*
“Wait a moment, Kagami.”
As Kagami headed straight for the front door without intending to greet anyone in the mansion, she stopped at the voice that rang from behind.
It was Yohei. Her sister’s husband.
“……What do you plan to do from now on?”
His tone lacked the usual politeness. However, Kagami thought that his tone wasn’t bad. In fact, it was the kind of tone she used to hear often. Back when her sister was still around. When Kagami was just a younger sister, not the head of the family.
“I’m going to find a way in my own way.”
Kagami answered.
“What kind of way?”
Kagami had no reply to Yohei’s question.
“Is it possible?”
“Perhaps.”
Though she hadn’t heard the question, Kagami knew what Yohei was asking. It was the same statement Kosuzu always made when converting the people from Yamashita Kai into believers. To create a world where life and death were transcended, and we would become the foremost in it. Well, what religion doesn’t say something like that?
However, what set Kurosawa apart was that the theoretical system was at least established. Everything that could be utilized as a method actually existed, and recently, the being closest to that method had opened its eyes.
Therefore, right now, this was not simply an emotional reaction.
…Though saying Kagami had sacrificed herself for that child was a bit of an awkward expression, it was true that the child she had birthed with her entire lifetime was, at the very least, a significant part of Kagami’s life, and losing her would mean taking away an important part of it.
Yohei stared intently at Kagami.
“Is that…?”
“Normally, it’s impossible. If it were possible, there would already be people enjoying eternal life in this world.”
Kagami spoke calmly.
Yohei fumbled for words for a moment.
“Is that…?”
“Yes. Just imagine being swept up in maternal love.”
Kagami said.
“I know you might think it’s strange. After all, I’ve never shown such behavior until now.”
Yohei didn’t say anything. However, the very act of not saying anything seemed to serve as some kind of proof for Kagami.
“Actually, I’m a bit confused too. But thinking back on my life until now, it’s always been like this. At least after my sister left, I lived doing what I wanted.”
Though she had been busy managing the organization and maintaining connections, she also felt a degree of freedom. After all, Kagami was the current head of the Kurosawa family.
“……Is there any cost to that?”
Using great power comes with a price. It’s a condition anyone who has lived in the world can easily imagine.
“The cost has already been prepared. At least enough to save one person.”
Kagami answered simply once again.
Yes. That cost had already been paid by Kagami herself.
So, she had the right to use it.
“……What’s your basis?”
“……”
But Kagami couldn’t quite answer that.
What she was doing now was ultimately Kagami’s obstinate struggle. While it couldn’t be said that she had absolutely no basis for her actions, it was certainly very slim.
“Kagami. Stay in this mansion for a while.”
Yohei said, looking at Kagami who couldn’t respond.
Kagami felt a bit curious about his tone. Did he still consider Kagami family?
“After thinking a bit—”
“Is what you said true?”
But Yohei’s words were interrupted. Yohei turned around with a very tired expression. There stood his daughter, Yuuki.
She was a bit far away, but despite the surroundings still being chaotic and some loud noises coming from outside the house, Yuuki had apparently managed to catch bits of the conversation.
“Yuuki.”
Yohei said as if trying to stop Yuuki, but Yuuki marched directly over to Kagami.
“Can you save Koto Ne?”
“…….”
Kagami quietly gazed at Yuuki.
Receiving that gaze, Yuuki frowned slightly.
“Can you save Koto Ne?”
“Now you’re addressing her by name. I think you only called her by her last name until recently.”
At Kagami’s words, Yuuki frowned even more.
“……To answer your question, yes, there is a possibility.”
“How likely is it?”
“It’s slim.”
This time, Kagami could speak properly.
“And it’s risky.”
“……I want to go too.”
It was as if Yuuki hadn’t heard the addendum from Kagami.
“I’m going whether Dad stops me or not.”
Although Yohei tried to intervene, Yuuki held her ground.
Kagami silently watched the exchange unfold.
“Yuuki, this isn’t something you should get involved in.”
“No, it is something I should be involved in.”
“You—”
“Mom was a shrine maiden. And I have that potential too.”
Yuuki said while looking up at her father.
“Then I might be of some help, right?”
Yuuki’s gaze directed toward Kagami. Kagami shrugged. Though she didn’t like the action, she didn’t say anything against it.
“Kagami.”
Yohei’s eyes also turned toward Kagami. It seemed to imply that she should say something.
“As you said, that young lady is my sister’s daughter.”
Kagami spoke while looking directly at Yohei.
A smile was on her lips. It was hard for those in attendance to judge whether that smile was genuine or a sneer.
“And if she inherited even a little of that temperament, it wouldn’t be easy to change her mind.”
“…….”
At those words, Yohei covered his forehead with his hand.
*
“By the way, your personality seems to have changed a bit.”
“……What do you mean?”
“I feel like you were much more shy when you were younger.”
“…….”
“Looking at you now, you seem to be the same as before.”
“……I just don’t say unnecessary things.”
“Um.”
“Why, do you have a problem with that?”
“No, not at all.”
Kagami shrugged.
Inside the car heading to Koto Ne and Koko’s old house.
It was a large sedan that Kagami had been in a few times. While it was a Japanese brand, it couldn’t be said to be luxurious.
In the back seat, Kagami and Yuuki sat as far apart as possible. To be exact, Yuuki made a very uncomfortable face and distanced himself, while Kagami sat leaning against the opposite door as if respecting his intention.
“……Is it because I resemble my mom?”
“I never said that.”
Kagami tilted her head at Yuuki’s words.
It seemed that the way she had reacted displeased Yuuki, as he looked around restlessly.
“If anything, you don’t look like your sister at all.”
At Kagami’s words, Yuuki’s wandering gaze turned toward her.
Whether intentionally or lost in her own thoughts, Kagami wasn’t looking at Yuuki. She was just resting her head against the car window, gazing blankly outside. As if the world hadn’t caught on that Koto Ne had died, people passed by normally, laughing and chatting. It was still early in the year. Perhaps because it was early in the year, the people out on the streets were mostly either very young or elderly. Some looked a bit lonely, while others were happily laughing. Surely, both groups were influenced by the thought of a new year.
And perhaps, those inside the car were experiencing similar thoughts, Yuuki contemplated.
…Perhaps because he had just heard a story from his dad, he was oddly conscious of the bloodline. He hadn’t exchanged a word with his mother since they had last seen each other after his childhood.
Suddenly, the thought struck him that this person was the one who had known his mother the longest. It was an obvious thought, but a realization that wasn’t easily summoned until his mind became clearer.
“……You say I don’t resemble her?”
“Well, your sister probably didn’t have friend-like figures at that time.”
“…….”
Yuuki was at a loss for words.
“……I was almost without friends.”
After hesitating a bit, Yuuki retorted.
“It sounds like you’re saying friends appear automatically.”
Kagami turned her gaze toward Yuuki. Yuuki remained silent for a moment and then nodded.
“Current friends have all come forward to me.”
“Is that so?”
Kagami observed Yuuki without speaking for some time.
“Was Koto Ne one of those kids?”
Yuuki thought for a moment.
“At first, it was the teacher who paired us together.”
That was right. Koto Ne had been a standout since the beginning of the school year.
How long had it been since she had skipped school for several days? Moreover, Hanagawa High School is a place you cannot attend unless you get a certain score on an entrance exam.
Seeing a kid who had just managed to get in yet was absent for days would inevitably lead to gossip among the other children.
Harumi had no particular interest in such rumors, so she wouldn’t know much, but Yuuki was somewhat concerned. He had experienced a few times before when other kids would either avoid him because of his home situation or keep their distance.
However, nonetheless, there would certainly have been preconceived notions about a kid who was absent from school. Yuuki had never missed school. His grades had maintained fairly well. Since he started hanging out with Mako, the other kids knew this too, so as long as he maintained the unspoken rule of not discussing family matters, they understood Yuuki wasn’t any danger.
Because of that, Yuuki was displeased that a teacher would leave such burdens to Mako. As if it was something he was meant to do.
…And it was only after seeing that kid that he somewhat understood why the teacher had said such things to Mako.
“I asked her to be friendly with Mako, and over time I came to feel that she was a bit peculiar, but a good kid…”
Innocence.
That was the conclusion Yuuki reached after spending time with that girl.
The act of suddenly visiting Koto Ne’s home when she ran away might have been such a judgment. He knew that if he went there, that girl wouldn’t turn him away, and somehow he felt he wouldn’t be able to refuse.
In short, he hadn’t seen her as a significant presence.
Wow, I’m really awful.
Yuuki lamented inwardly.
“……Is that so?”
“……I didn’t know? They said the bad relationship was an act.”
“Yeah, I didn’t know. The bad relationship may not have been an act. It might just have been my own misunderstanding.”
Kagami’s gaze turned back to the window.
“Koto Ne might not have told me about it. Maybe I just didn’t ask.”
Would she be regretful?
However, it seemed that the answer to that question didn’t need to be asked, so Yuuki decided not to voice it.
*
The destination was Koto Ne’s house.
Since it was the place where Koto Ne had been just a day ago, there was no reason for it to have changed drastically, but strangely, the house looked empty.
“Originally, Koto Ne, Koko, and another person lived here, just the three of them.”
“……Another person?”
“They aren’t someone who’s going to be a bother. They are currently in government custody.”
“……”
No, isn’t the fact that they are in government custody the really important part?
Of course, if Kagami didn’t tell him, Yuuki wouldn’t know anything about that person, and he never thought to ask in the first place.
What was most concerning was what he intended to do right now.
“So, what are you planning to do?”
“First, we have to go and check.”
“So, what?”
“To save.”
“……Save? So—”
“Yeah, that’s right. Save. Skin. If I must be specific, this also includes the underlying muscle and bone.”
Kagami smiled brightly at Yuuki as she said this.
As if to imply that this was information no one possessed.
“What exactly of?”
“…….”
Kagami turned her gaze back to the apartment, quietly staring at it.
“It’s the flesh of the being now referred to as Koko. I’m planning to use that.”
“…….”
Yuuki struggled to keep up with Kagami’s words.
“If we have the shell, the soul could return, right? Well, that’s just my thought.”
With her mouth hanging open, Yuuki could only watch as Kagami walked slowly away.
Yohei, watching Kagami’s back while not understanding, sighed.
“Yuuki, I suggest you think again. What you’re about to see—”
“Anyway, this involves Koto Ne and Koko, both.”
Yuuki said after a brief consideration.
“I want to see it regardless.”
“Yuuki.”
“Now that I’m starting to learn things about myself, I don’t want to just observe from a distance.”
He was giving up hope.
Dad had never answered his questions about Mom, no matter how many times he asked. The same went for the people around him. Because of that, Yuuki had even wondered if Mom had died in that conflict.
Now, he was finally getting to know the blood flowing through his veins.
Moreover, that blood was the same as Koto Ne and Koko’s.
Yuuki felt a sense of kinship with the two. In a way, they were kids raised in circumstances not too different from Yuuki’s.
Yet at the same time, they were kids who grew up in much worse situations.
With the word “revived” that Kagami had used, it was enough to move Yuuki’s feet.
Dad sighed once more.
Yuuki walked a bit faster into the opened door that Kagami left ajar.
Kagami was already standing in front of the refrigerator that was conspicuously alone in the room. As if she had been waiting for Yuuki.
“Then, I’ll show you.”
Kagami said this and dramatically opened the refrigerator door with a flourish.
The dust on the top suggested it hadn’t been used for at least several months, yet the refrigerator itself was still functioning properly.
And the contents inside were—
“…….”
“How about it? Are you regretting this?”
—Were far more grotesque than Yuuki had expected.
*
Still, taking a break midway had allowed him to climb all the way up the stairs.
I wonder if exercising in the afterlife builds stamina? If so, I should do some exercise.
…While climbing with such tedious thoughts, I entered through the door that was open at the end, accompanied by Kuro.
And.
“……Wow.”
I let out an admiration filled with various emotions.
“What do you think? Doesn’t it look like a Disney cartoon?”
…Are you joking right now?
I mean, sure, if you type “Cthulhu Mythos” combined with “Disney-like art” as a keyword, it makes sense, but still.
It feels closer to Cthulhu Mythos. It’s a massively colorful take on the Cthulhu Mythos.
“Welcome to the dream world. Take it easy and relax for a while.”
Nyaown, Kuro mewed.
“Oh, and if you could help me out with a few requests, I would appreciate it.”
The grin on Kuro’s face looked extremely sinister as she said that.
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